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jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)
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Pre-SIHH 2015: The Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap

Montblanc introduces wearable technology to fine watchmaking

Wearable technology has been a hot topic, especially since 2014. There had been lots of discussions on the Apple iWatch and even before that, the Samsung Gears and not to forget technologies like the Google Glass. One thing is certain: there is potential for wearable technology to be more widely used in our daily lives. Closer to our hearts must be smart watches and how their interaction with other smart devices, especially smartphones and (EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO US) wrist watches, will affect how we use these wearable technologies.

In January 2015 during SIHH 2015, Montblanc will be the first luxury brand to combine wearable technology with fine watchmaking in the centuries old Swiss horological tradition. Personally, I'm keen to see the new e-Strap in the metal and try it out with my Android and iPhone devices. Very interesting to see and experience how I can still keep my beloved luxury watch on my wrist as my timekeeper and lifestyle companion yet enjoy the convenience and smart features of wearable technology offered by Montblanc.

The Maison introduces the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap, marrying a highly functional e-Strap with contemporary TimeWalker timepieces. The e-Strap is an interchangeable strap, with an integrated technology device that offers an activity tracker, smart notifications, remote controls and Find-Me functions. It connects, via Bluetooth Low Energy, to selected Android and iOS smartphones. For the first time, an owner will be able to wear a mechanical timepiece with highly useful digital functionality. 

Montblanc continues to underline the technicity, performance and avant-garde appeal of this watch line, its dynamic appeal is further highlighted by the use of contemporary material mixes featuring red design elements on a pure black background.

This collection extension contains three new models including a chronograph and a UTC. I had shared Montblanc's press release on our SIHH 2015 forum on the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph  and Mike will be sharing his initial thoughts on this novelty soon.

To read the press release of the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph, click on the link below:

basel.watchprosite.com

The e-Strap device - a new offering from Montblanc

The e-Strap device offers a variety of functionality. Info below is provided by Montblanc HQ:

Smart notifications, signaled by vibrations provide an alert of incoming communication without the need to look at the smartphone. It enables the preview of e-mails by topic and sender, read text messages, see incoming calls and status updates of social media feeds or reminders of important upcoming meetings, all on the wrist.

The activity tracker is a simple tool to monitor  the  wearer´s physical activity over time and keep track of his personal daily goals. To do so, it measures the number of steps taken per day, calories burnt and the distance travelled. The accompanying smartphone application enables the of progress per week and month. The e-Strap will remind the wearer to stay active through unobtrusive vibration alerts and show at a glance the daily progress.

The remote controls are useful for controlling the smartphone with the e-Strap. The camera remote enables the taking of pictures with the smartphone by triggering the shutter with a tap on the e-Strap thus allowing better and easier selfies or group shots.

Playing, pausing, and skipping music on the smartphone can be also remotely        steered with the music control function of the e-Strap.

Additionally, the Find-Me function allows searching for the watch or phone within a range of up to 30 meters, either by tapping on the e-Strap to find the smartphone or by using the smartphone application to find the watch.

The e-Strap device has an inbuilt touch screen display, readable in daylight, to display the information and navigate through the functionalities. The technical device is encapsulated in a stainless steel case with rubber protection and can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through strap.

Depending on usage, the device needs to be recharged every 5 days using a standard micro-USB cable. The e-Strap is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Note 4, selected Android Devices running Android 4.3 and upwards as well as Apple iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 plus. 

The Leather e-Strap

The TimeWalker collection e-Strap is equipped with a pass-through strap made of the innovative Montblanc Extreme Leather. The Extreme leather wristband created by the Montblanc Pelleteria in Florence, perfectly matches with the timepiece: markedly technical while retaining a sporty yet elegant appearance.

Due to its innovative manufacturing process, the upper surface of the leather wristband has a characteristic carbon appearance. In a long and meticulous process, the leather is textured and simultaneously impregnated with an innovative treatment that does not only coat the surface of the wristband, but also bonds with it and increases its structural strength. This innovative technique produces a high-performance and innovative leather, delivering abrasion resistance, water repellence and heat wear-, water- and fire-resistant.

The e-Strap device can be easily fixed and adjusted with the pass-through to all strap sizes 20/22mm.

Three new timepieces for the Timewalker collection

We will share more info on the three new Timewalkers Urban Speed models, starting with the Timewalker Urban Speed Chronograph. For now, we know Montblanc will also introduce a UTC and a three hands Timewalker (with hours, mins, seconds and date).

Some info from Montblanc HQ are provided below:

The expressive design of the 42 or 43-millimetre case, which combines clean lines with architectural shapes, made the Montblanc TimeWalker family of Montblanc timepieces instantly recognizable right from the outset. Blending sporty elegance and masculinity, the Montblanc TimeWalker carries its unique aesthetics and features the signature skeletonised horns, a narrow bezel, a large dial with Arabic numerals in a distinctive, clearly contoured typography, and the characteristic lancet-shaped hands.

Instantly, the “cold grey” micro-blasted steel case or the black DLC ( Diamond like carbon) coating, witness to its dynamic spirit and technical elegance.

This sporty elegance continues on the dial, making use of its black background to accentuate the white numerals and dynamic red second hands common to all three models.

The window in the case back offers a clear view of the automatic mechanical calibre which guarantees reliability and precision. All calibres of the TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap program are manufactured in accord with all the rules that govern the art of Swiss fine watchmaking. They oscillate at a steady pace of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour (4 Hz).

All TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap models will be available in markets in June 2015 with or without the e-Strap device.

 TimeWalker Urban Speed e-Strap with e-Strap device (all prices German RSP incl. 19% VAT)

Timewalker Urban Speed automatic e-Strap, 42mm – 2.990 euros

Timewalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap– 3.990 euros

Timewalker Urban Speed chronograph e-Strap – 4.690 euros

E-Strap, compatible with iPhone 4S, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 and upwards  – 350 euros

Montblanc e-Strap

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Chronograph e-Strap

Movement              Calibre MB 25.07

Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism and chronograph function

No. of rubies           25

Power reserve         Approx. 46 hours

Balance                   Flat hoop

Frequency               28,800 A/h (4 Hz)

Hairspring               Flat

Displays                  Hours and minutes from the center

                               Small seconds at “9 o’clock”

                               Chronograph’s elapsed-seconds hand from the dial’s center

Counter for 30 elapsed minutes at “12 o’clock”

Counter for 12 elapsed hours at “6 o’clock”

                               Date in a window at “4 o’clock”

Habillage

Case                        Micro-blasted stainless steel with black ceramic bezel

Crystal                    Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal

Back                        Micro-blasted stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal

Dimensions             Diameter=43 mm ; Height=14.4 mm

Watertightness       3 bar

Crown                     Micro-blasted stainless steel fluted crown with Montblanc emblem

Dial                         Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,

Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand and small second-hand,

red chronograph-hand

Wristband               Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap

Movement              Calibre MB 24.05

Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism and second time zone

No. of rubies           21

Power reserve         Approx. 42 hours

Balance                   Flat hoop

Frequency               28,800 A/h (4 Hz)

Hairspring               Flat

Displays                  Hours,  minutes and seconds from the centre

                               Second time zone from the centre

                               Day & Night indication on the flange

                               Date in a window at “3 o’clock”

Habillage

Case                        Stainless steel with black DLC coating

Crystal                    Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal

Back                        Micro-blasted stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal

Dimensions             Diameter=42 mm ; Height=11 mm

Watertightness       3 bar

Crown                     Stainless steel with black DLC coating fluted crown with Montblanc emblem

Dial                         Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,

Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand and second time zone hand,

Red second-hand

Wristband               Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated

Montblanc TimeWalker Urban Speed Date Automatic e-Strap

Movement              Calibre MB 24.09

Type of movement Mechanical movement with automatic winding mechanism

No. of rubies           25

Power reserve         Approx. 42 hours

Balance                   Flat hoop

Frequency               28,800 A/h (4 Hz)

Hairspring               Flat

Displays                  Hours,  minutes and seconds from the center

                               Date in a window at “3 o’clock”

Habillage

Case                        Polished stainless steel

Crystal                    Scratch-resistant, domed and antireflective sapphire crystal

Back                        Stainless steel back with inset pane of sapphire crystal

Dimensions             Diameter=42 mm ; Height=11.2 mm

Watertightness       3 bar

Crown                     Stainless steel crown with Montblanc emblem

Dial                         Black with Superluminova-coated numerals and indexes,

Anthracite luminescent hour-hand, minute-hand

Red second-hand

Wristband               Nato Extreme leather, composite material of cowhide with grey stitching, cowhide in carbon-look texture and specially treated for greater strength with high-technology device integrated

Let us know what you think! More details will follow soon.

Cheers

robin

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